Aeolian dust accretion outpaces erosion in the formation of Mediterranean alpine soils. New evidence from the periglacial zone of Mount Olympus, Greece

Aeolian dust, primarily from Saharan and local sources, plays a dominant role in the formation of alpine soils in the periglacial zone of Mount Olympus, Greece, outpacing erosion. This finding challenges traditional views on soil parent material contributions in Mediterranean karst landscapes. Researchers analyzed 23 samples from a glaciokarstic plateau, colluvial sediments, and modern Sahara dust deposits using radiogenic isotope systematics, textural, and mineralogical analyses. They found that aeolian dust contributes between 50% and 65% to the soil B horizon, with cryoturbation facilitating fine earth translocation and weak pedogenesis leading to magnetic mineral weathering and secondary clay formation. The study highlights the significance of long-distance dust transport in alpine soil development under Mediterranean periglacial conditions.

Styllas, M., Pennos, C., Persoiu, A., Godelitsas, A., Papadopoulou, L., Aidona, E., Kantiranis, N., Ducea, M. N., Ghilardi, M., & Demory, F. (2023). Aeolian dust accretion outpaces erosion in the formation of Mediterranean alpine soils. New evidence from the periglacial zone of Mount Olympus, Greece. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 48(14), 3003–3021. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.5669